AFL infuriated over MCG decision to host likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City for Champions Cup

The AFL are reportedly livid with the MCG’s decision to stage three International Champions Cup matches in the middle of the league’s season.

Fairfax Media are reporting AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan had told MCC boss Stephen Gough of his displeasure at the decision, however it seems the AFL are powerless to put a stop to the tournament as they are simply tenants of the ground.

The tournament could potentially involve the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester City and the MCC has invoked clause 3.6 A (a) in its licence agreement with the AFL which states that ”attendance could be reasonably anticipated to exceed” Etihad Stadium’s capacity (56,000).

The MCC cited numerous examples of large football crowds in Melbourne, such as the 95,000 for Liverpool-Melbourne Victory in 2013 and the same number for Australia v Greece in 2006.

The AFL has been told by he MCC to not schedule any games at the MCG during the Champions Cup, which will be played over two weekends in July.

The news comes after the Champions Cup delivered the biggest crowd in US soccer history, with 109,000 turning out for a clash between Manchester United and Real Madrid.